Relatively new poster, current '03 Mazda6s owner, going to purchase an RX-8 as soon as they announce the specs/features of the '06 RX-8 to make sure I'm not going to miss out on anything (namely a stronger 6-Speed that might better withstand FI). I have specifically avoided test-driving an RX-8 (hence the questions below) because I'm pretty sure if I did I'd end up buying it that day and I really need to wait.

I've got a few questions from those experienced with the car regarding some of the features, or lack thereof, in the RX-8...

1> Automatic Climate Control (ACC). I love the ACC in the Mazda6. So much so that I swore I'd never buy a car without it. And then I found out the RX-8 didn't have it (surprised the hell out of me). And I was sad. Does anyone (who likes ACC) frequently drive a car with ACC who could tell me their honest opinion on whether or not they really miss that feature? Is it a big deal? I'm not talking not-buying-the-car 'big'; but is it a pretty good annoyance?

It's amazing how quick we can be spoiled by such amenities. I'm not trying to sound like some sort of priss by how much I love and feel the "need" for ACC. On the contrary, I feel that not having to bother with anything else allows me to focus all my attention on the driving experience -- which is why we all buy this car, right? With ACC and Steering Wheel Controls for the radio I never have to take my eyes off the road, hands of the wheel, or divert my concentration to anything else.

2> Telescopic Steering Wheel. Another one of those spoiled amenities, but I like to really feel a part of the car when driving (again, why we buy a car like this, right) and the ability to control exactly where everything is situated is a great feature in making that as close a reality as possible. Is anyone out there ever cursing the lack of a telescopic steering wheel? Particularly the taller drivers out there (I'm 6'3" with long legs).

3> Back Seat Room. I know it's actually quite spacious for what it is, and considering how much use my rear seats actually see (virtually none) it's more than sufficient. But for the taller drivers, is the room actually useable? I mean, if I'm 6'3", should I be expecting anyone will actually be sitting behind me (I'm thinking no, it's pretty tight even in my 6), or will they be sitting behind my much smaller (5'2") wife?


None of the above are going to change my opinion of the car, nor my decision to buy. I'm just curious the experiences that others have had regarding them.

 

I can answer number two... I tend to drive a little closer to the wheel than most people my height (6'2") which I believe comes from years of racing karts and track days. That being said I could not get comfortable in the RX-8 and the steering wheel was always hitting my legs unless I put the seat all the way back and down which was an uncomfortable driving position for me. Had I loved the car and had to have it I would have had to get used to a totally new driving position. I don't know how long it would have taken to get used to it but I am one of those people that can feel is someone has moved my seat an inch, so don't know if I would have ever liked it.

 

Sigma, my brother has an '04 Mazda6, so I've been able to experience his ACC somewhat. Trust me, not having ACC in the 8 is not a deal breaker. Of all the cars I've driven, the 8 is the only one that has made me want to drive with my windows down and my sunroof up every time I drive. If you have the same rush when you get your 8, then ACC won't be a factor. And even if you're not a wind-in-your-face kinda guy, the temperature dial is on the same level as the gear shifter, so, unless you're extremely co-depedent on ACC, you won't be losing any time or concentration in moving your finger up an inch to move the temp **** one to two ticks.

As to the back seats, if you have very tall friends in the back, they'll be sitting behind your wife. They can sit in the back behind you and fit, but I think they'd feel cramped with the minimal leg room. I had FOUR friends ride in my car last weekend, one of them 6' tall, and they all crammed in there somehow (one sat on the center pillar, even though I screamed at her not to).

 

Not having ACC should not be a deal breaker. My prevoius 4 cars had it and I really dont miss it. In fact I sometimes found the ACC annoying(couldnt control the fan speed when on, constantly tweaking temp: 68,70,72,etc). Cant speak to your other concerns as I am only 5'8'' and never had a prob with finding a good driving position and enough backseat room.

 

Strange, because ACC is standard on all models of 8's here in Australia.

So saying that, just my opionion, but it doesn't seem to be as powerful as other cars Ive been in. I usually set it to the lowest temp in summer (hot summers here) and not too sure about winters because it hasn't gotten cold since i've had the car.

 

ACC should not be a deal breaker. RX8s in Singapore are equipped with ACC but I never select "auto", prefering to control the aircon manually. We do not have winters here and "auto" mode always opens the outside air vent and that is a strict no no for me. With outside temperature in the 80s and 90s F here, opening the vent will cause the a/c to struggle to cool the interior. Not to mention letting the stinky ambient exhaust fumes in.

In my experience with rental cars in my business trips to the US I always turn the ACC to manual too, primarily to close out the exhaust fumes. When the road is clear I will manually open the vent to refresh the air once in a while.

I know I can always close the vent in "auto" mode too, but I just don't like the idea of having to overide it each time I notice. By then I already breathed in poison.

My 2 cents.

-Ringer-

 

Don't worry about the ACC. The AC sux in the car anyway. The only way to keep cool in stop and go traffic is to turn the thing on at least fanspeed 3.

 

The climate control is a PITA. If you get in the car on a hot day, the damn thing blows you into the back seat trying to cool the car down in a hurry. If it wasn't standard here, I wouldn't have paid for it. I use manual mode only.

I've had four six footers in the car, no worries. As for having a telescopic steering wheel, no drama's for me (I'm six foot). Plenty of guys your size drive an 8. Do a search on 6 ft, or long legs etc........

Gomez.